Bar Lead; Event

Position: Bar Lead (Event Based)

Department: Bar Operations

Reports To: General Operations Manager / Bar Operations Manager

Employment Type: Part-Time, Variable Hours (Non-Exempt)

Pay Rate: $24–$26 per hour DOE

Schedule: Fluctuating hours based on event schedule and seasonal needs

Shifts: Evenings, weekends, holidays, and event days required

Location: Cannonball Arts + Level 1 Music Venue, Downtown Seattle, WA

From the producers of Out of Sight, Museum of Museums, and Bumbershoot Arts + Music Festival, and in partnership with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Cannonball Arts is a multi-use arts center and music venue in downtown Seattle celebrating Pacific Northwest artists. The 66,000-square-foot campus includes galleries, immersive installations, creative studios, retail spaces, and Level 1, a 2,300-capacity music venue. From daytime exhibitions to high-energy concerts and immersive experiences, Cannonball is where creativity, chaos, and community collide.

Position Summary

The Bar Lead is responsible for supporting and executing daily bar operations during events, concerts, and programming across Cannonball Arts and Level 1.

This is a highly guest-facing leadership role
. The Bar Lead works on the floor, leads the bar team during service, maintains operational readiness, and ensures a smooth, fast, and welcoming beverage experience aligned with Cannonball Arts’ mission and values.

The Bar Lead provides direct shift leadership to bartenders and barbacks and maintains accountability for inventory control, reporting, staff training, and operational standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead bar operations during concerts, events, and programming
• Ensure bars are fully stocked, prepped, and operational before doors open
• Oversee bar setup, breakdown, and reset procedures
• Maintain fast, efficient, and friendly beverage service
• Troubleshoot POS, cash handling, and service issues in real time
• Maintain compliance with Washington State liquor laws and venue policies
• Support guest flow and collaborate with Security, FOH, and Production teams
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of bar areas

• Conduct regular inventory counts and product tracking
• Support ordering, receiving, and restocking of bar products and supplies
• Monitor product usage, waste, and shrinkage
• Assist with monthly inventory turnover and menu freshness initiatives
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and rotation of product
• Maintain bar equipment, tools, and infrastructure

• Support bar revenue growth and beverage program development
• Track daily and event bar sales performance
• Provide post-event reporting including:

• Sales
• Labor vs revenue
• Inventory movement
• Waste and incidents
• Identify trends and opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability

• Act as on-shift lead for bartenders and barbacks
• Train staff on:

• POS systems
• Service standards
• Bar setup and breakdown
• Venue policies and compliance
• Support onboarding of new bar staff
• Provide real-time coaching and feedback during service
• Help build a positive, collaborative, and accountable bar team culture

• Communicate effectively across Operations, Production, and Guest Services teams
• Participate in operational briefings and post-event feedback
• Maintain confidentiality of internal information
• Uphold Cannonball standards of hospitality, inclusion, accessibility, and professionalism
• Serve as an ambassador of the venue and guest experience

• 3+ years bartending experience required
• Previous lead or supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Experience in high-volume venues, concerts, festivals, or nightlife environments preferred
• Strong working knowledge of Square or similar POS systems
• Knowledge of liquor laws and responsible alcohol service
• Experience with inventory management and reporting
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to stay calm and solutions-oriented in fast-paced environments
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Able to stand and work on feet for extended periods
• Reliable, punctual, and flexible with scheduling
• Passion for hospitality, live events, and guest experience